BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJOR LEAGUES : Tartabull-for-Sierra Deal in the Works?

The New York Yankees have handed the Oakland Athletics a list of Oakland prospects they seek and are hopeful they will receive an agreement on a two-for-one swap involving disgruntled high-priced players Danny Tartabull and Ruben Sierra. Because Sierra’s slightly more expensive contract runs an extra year beyond Tartabull’s deal, the Yankees would like the Athletics to compensate them by adding a prospect from the Yankees’ list of about half a dozen desired players.

“There’s a chance for a deal. I’m hopeful,” Yankee General Manager Gene Michael said.

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Manager Bobby Cox, whose Atlanta Braves lead the NL East, was given a two-year contract extension. . . . The New York Mets traded left-hander Jason Jacome, who started the season in their rotation, to the Kansas City Royals in a deal that included three minor leaguers. Jacome was 0-4 with a 10.29 earned-run average in five starts for the Mets this year. . . . Pittsburgh Pirate catcher Don Slaught went on the disabled list for the ninth time in his career. He has a strained hamstring. . . . All the paperwork has been signed on the sale of the Oakland Athletics and now awaits only major league baseball’s approval. Walter Haas Jr.’s family is selling to local businessmen Steve Schott and Ken Hofmann.